Facts on Hydrogen Cars

Most vehicles on the road today burn fossil fuels and emit harmful pollutants and toxins like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. Hydrogen fuel cars have zero harmful emissions but still present significant challenges in other areas. Large quantities of hydrogen is required to power an entire nation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Stephen Chu stated that "We asked ourselves, 'Is it likely in the next 10 or 15, 20 years that we will convert to a hydrogen car economy?' The answer, we felt, was 'no.'" In further disapproval of hydrogen cars, Secretary Chu proposed a cut of $100 million dollars from the hydrogen fuel budget. This reduction in federal funding may significantly hurt the domestic car manufacturers who already have several hydrogen fuel cars on the market.

Ford Focus FCV

The Ford Focus FCV is an electric motor vehicle that receives power from a dual hydrogen fuel system. The electric motor is supplied by an Ni-MH battery system from Sanyo to supplement the workload.

Cadillac Provoq

The Cadillac Provoq is a concept car released by GM at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Provoq is a fast and powerful hydrogen hybrid with a top speed of 100 mph.

GM Hydrogen4 Minivan

The Hydrogen4 Minivan is a part of GM's Project Driveway, which debuted in Germany. This vehicle has three carbon fiber hydrogen tanks and a 440 cell fuel block.

Ford Explorer FCV

At the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2006, Ford unveiled its Explorer FCV model, a sport utility vehicle with 350 miles per tank. This SUV was a joint venture between Ford and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Chrysler ecoVoyager

The ecoVoyager is four-door hydrogen concept car from Chrysler. The zero-emissions vehicle has a 45 kw fuel cell stack plus a 268 horsepower 200 kw motor.

GM H2H Hummer

In October of 2004, GM introduced the H2H Hummer, along with the public endorsement of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Resources

• Hybrid Cars